A record 4.8 million O&D passengers passed through MEM
MEMPHIS, TENN. (February 15, 2024) – Memphis International Airport (MEM) experienced a milestone year in 2023, highlighted by a record number of 4.8 million origin and destination (O&D) passengers traveling through the airport. These numbers reflected a full recovery from the pandemic as 2023 numbers represented an increase of more than 10 percent compared to 2022 and more than three percent compared pre-pandemic levels in 2019. Increased passenger demand was also evident in the number of available aircraft seats, with MEM airlines increasing seats in 2023 to more than 3.1 million compared to 2.6 million in 2022.
Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority (MSCAA) presented an overview of 2023 milestones at its Board of Commissioners meeting on February 15. The review was highlighted in a video that can be found at https://youtu.be/XuZf6arfg0Y, as well as embedded at the end of this page.
2023 highlights and statistics:
- Total passengers: 4,796,717 (increase of 10.12 percent vs. 2022)
- Total available airline seats: 3,115,772 (increase of 19.16 percent vs. 2022)
- Total cargo handled: 8.56 billion pounds (decrease of 3.99 percent compared to 2022, though MEM remained the busiest cargo airport in North America and second busiest in the world).
- Three new food & beverage concessions opened in 2023
- 341 parking spaces and parking lot shuttles were added
“2023 was a tremendous year for MEM as our passenger growth exceeded pre-pandemic numbers and the airport and its staff achieved many significant milestones,” said Terry Blue, MSCAA President and CEO. “2024 will be another year of transformation including the start of our terminal modernization project, our relentless pursuit of frequent and affordable air service, and our transition to a new and enhanced parking system.”
Looking ahead to 2024 (projects on the horizon):
- Terminal modernization project begins
- Parking system expansion and enhancements
- Charles W. Baker Airport new terminal construction